GOODWOOD RACECOURSE
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Introduction:
During his lifetime, the third Earl of Richmond had a great love of horses and horse racing, and to maximise his enjoyment of the sport, he commissioned the building of a racecourse on his lands at Goodwood, with the first meeting taking place in 1802.
Unfortunately, after putting in so much effort to realise his dream, the Earl was only able to enjoy five years of Goodwood racing, as at the age of seventy two, he passed away in 1806. But in the form of his brain-child, The Glorious Goodwood Festival of Racing, he left the nation a magnificent legacy.
The track at Goodwood is situated on the edge of the Sussex Downs, and is regarded by many a good judge as one of the most beautiful racecourses in the world.
Set amongst such magnificent pastoral surroundings, it is hardly surprising the five day festival of Glorious Goodwood has become a unique amalgam of superior horse racing and social chic. It is certainly an experience everyone should sample at least once in their lifetime.
The current course stages over twenty days of competitive racing each year, but without a doubt, the highlight is the five day sporting and social institution of Glorious Goodwood. This meeting features some of the most ancient and prestigious prizes in British horse racing, including: The Goodwood Gold Cup, established in 1812, The Molecomb Stakes, established in 1833, The Nassau Stakes and Stewards Cup, both established in 1840, and The Sussex Stakes, first run in 1841.
Track facts:
Goodwood is used solely for flat racing.
The course combines a straight section which is joined by a straight chute and an extended loop. The main straight is a railed section which runs from the three and a half furlong mark and continues past the winning post for another four furlongs. Normally, the section after the winning post is used as a pulling up area, but as described later, it is also used for special long distance races.
Returning to the chute course. This is a straight section of around three furlongs, which joins on to the main course to produce a straight course for sprint races of up to six furlongs in duration. Apart from the last one hundred yards, this straight sprint course is consistently downhill, which makes it one of the fastest sprint courses in British racing.
On the straight sprint course, a fast start is essential. In large fields, historically, a low draw gave an advantage. But, in recent years, events have shown, a good horse can win from nearly any draw position.
Longer races use the right handed loop course, which joins on to the straight course at the three and a half furlong mark. The loop is a significant course in its own right, being one mile two furlongs in circumference. All races over six furlongs have to use the loop course.
In Goodwoods longest race, over a total distance of two miles and five furlongs, horses use every section of the non chute railed course. They start at the far end of the pulling up area , run what is normally the wrong way for the home straight, pass the winning post in the wrong direction, then they negotiate a left hand bend at the three and a half furlong point, and race around the full right hand loop, and rejoin the straight course at the starting point of the loop, before heading back down the home straight in the normal direction.
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Enclosures and hospitality:
The listings below do not include the facilities available to Annual Members, Owners and Trainers, and Corporate Guests. These can be obtained by contacting the racecourse.
Richmond Ticket.
This enclosure is only open during the Glorious Goodwood five day meeting.
Viewing is available from the March Grandstand, in front of the winning post, and the Charlton Grandstand, which is nearby. There is also access to all the other public areas of the racecourse, including the winners enclosure, and parade ring.
For extra coverage of the racing, a giant television screen is positioned next to the winning post for all race meetings, and for the Glorious Goodwood festival, an additional giant screen is positioned in the paddock area.
Fine dining, and good views of the racecourse, are available from the Charlton Hunt Restaurant. For an array of seafood dishes, the Double Trigger Restaurant is well worth a visit.
For less formal meals, the racecourse provides the Horsewalk Carvery, plus several other bar and snack facilities.
Due to the uneven terrain and decking used in this area, ladies are advised not to wear stiletto heels.
Gordon Ticket.
This is the main enclosure for most Goodwood meetings. It provides access to the Sussex Grandstand, parade ring, and winners enclosure.
During Glorious Goodwood, formal dining is available in the tented Gordon Restaurant, but because of the popularity of this facility, advance booking is strongly recommended.
On the ground floor of the March grandstand, there is a good selection of bars and snack facilities, including, Barrie Cope seafood, fish and chips, and pizza.
Bar and snack facilities are also available on the ground floor of the Sussex Grandstand.
Lennox Ticket.
This ticket provides views of the long home straight and winning post. To enhance racing enjoyment, a giant television screen has been positioned in this enclosure.
This is the traditional picnic area, but for safety reasons, bringing alcohol onto the racecourse is not permitted. However, there are plentiful bar and snack facilities provided within the enclosure.
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Disabled Facilities:
Goodwood prides itself on its facilities for the disabled.
The course has disabled parking areas for registered badge holders. There are lifts, ramps, and specialist toilet facilities in all relevant areas. The easy access viewing platform provides good vistas of the racing action. Plus, there are lowered counters for food, drink, and tote betting.
Fixtures:
Goodwood only stages flat racing.
2011:
Wednesday 18 May
Saturday 21 May
Monday 30 May
Friday 03 June
Friday 10 June
Friday 17 June
Transport Links:
By Road:
Access to Goodwood is off the A27, with the racecourse entrance roads being around five miles from Chichester along this main route.
Some of the racecourse car parks are free of charge, but others have charges, and have to be booked in advance. For clarification, contact the racecourse company.
By Rail:
Chichester is the nearest railway station, being four point six miles from the racecourse.
There are direct train services to Chichester from London Victoria, Portsmouth, and Southampton.
By Bus:
A shuttle bus service operates between Chichester railway station and the racecourse. Full details are available from Goodwood Racecourse Ltd.
By Air:
The nearest regional airport is Southampton, being around twenty seven miles from Goodwood.
Southampton airport offers flights to numerous destinations throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Private aircraft can obtain permission to land at Goodwood airfield, which is only two miles from the course. Telephone, 01243 75 50 61.
Subject to prior permission, helicopters may land at the racecourse.
Contact Details:
Address:
Goodwood Racecourse Ltd,
Goodwood,
Chichester,
West Sussex,
PO18 0PS.
Telephone Number: 01243 75 50 22.
Fax Number: 01243 75 50 25.
E-Mail:
Accommodation:
Hilton Avisford Park.
UK Tel No: 01243 558 300.
From Eire Tel No: 00 44 (0)1243 558 300.
The Hilton Avisford Park is simply the perfect base for race-goers who follow either code of racing, being just a few minutes from Fontwell Park, with it’s autumb to spring national hunt fixtures, and just a short ride away from Goodwood, with its prestigious summer flat meetings, including Glorious Goodwood.
Located in 89 acres of Sussex countryside, and with its own 18 hole golf course, the Hilton Avisford Park is a 4 Star gem where guests can choose to use the hotel either as their base for a ‘sporty break’ or a ‘get away haven’, and with historic Arundel and busy Chichester close by, the Hilton Avisford Park has something for everyone.
The hotel’s en suite guest rooms are stylish and comfortable, and incorporate remote controlled plasma television, wi-fi access, and the many other room amenities discerning guests expect from a superior hotel. While those seeking extra comfort and luxury during their stay can choose a Deluxe Room or a Suite. With all members of the hotel’s staff priding themselves on going the extra mile for our customers, you can be sure of receiving the famous Hilton service during your stay, and naturally, this includes a 24 hour room service menu, and a same day dry cleaning service.
Incorporating stylish British décor, the Cedar Restaurant offers the perfect location to enjoy quality fare, and at least once during your stay you have to sample the chef’s famous signature dishes. A lite-bite menu, along with a fine selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available in the Lounge Terrace and Bar, and during the warmer weather, this can be enjoyed ‘al fresco’ on the adjacent terrace area.
For the sporty-minded, apart from organising a round on the hotel’s magnificent 18 hole golf course, there is also the Living Well Health Club, with its indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and afterwards you can wind down in the gym, sauna, and steam room. While the ladies can enjoy the beauty therapies available within the hotel’s Spa.
For a more in-depth look at the facilities at the Hilton Avisford Park, or to ensure your room ahead of your preferred meeting at Fontwell Park or Goodwood, please click on the link below:
For more info. CLICK HERE
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